Sullivan+Strumpf is thrilled to present a new solo exhibition from acclaimed Melbourne-based artist Sam Leach, Leisure herd.

A continuation of Leach’s pioneering research into AI and machine learning technologies, Leisure herd takes a close look at the effect of AI on non-human animals, focusing in particular on common farm animals, with emerging AI systems already extensively integrated into mainstream industrial agriculture practices today.

Taking a leap into the future, Leach imagines a utopian world where non-human animals live leisurely in a post-scarcity society. Classical landscapes in the background reference the Land of Cockaigne – the medieval dream of an abundant paradise.

However, as any science-fiction fan knows, utopias often imply their darker counterpart, the dystopia. Even as the bright colours and relaxing animals in Leach’s images draw viewers in, evidence appears that aspects of these new worlds are not functioning – concrete is chipped, space junk falls from the sky, and human remains are found in the trees.